"Complete (and Simplified) Guide to Choosing the Best Types of Massage According to Your Needs"

There are various types of massages for different needs. Knowing how to choose the most suitable types of massages for you is important to ensure the treatment meets your specific needs.

With you in mind, we have prepared this guide. First, we will cover the 11 main types of massages you really need to know, so you understand the differences in techniques used across various massage types.

Then, we'll provide suggestions for different types of massages suitable for specific needs.

All to make it easier for you to choose the best massage for you.

11 Types of Massages You Need to Know

Thai Massage

Also known as Thai massage, this therapy originated in India, although it is now more associated with Thailand and its culture.

This type of massage focuses on strategic energy points using gentle stretching techniques. This helps release blocked energy, alleviating pain and discomfort, while promoting a sense of relaxation.

During a Thai massage session, the person lies on the floor. The movements can be performed with the hands, feet, or elbows, and although the movements are gentle, it's important to note that the muscles are intensely worked and stimulated.

Therefore, after a Thai massage session, it's important to drink plenty of water and take time to rest.

Benefits:

• Reduces stress levels;
• Provides pain relief;
• Stimulates and improves blood circulation.

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Lomi Lomi Massage

In Hawaiian, Lomi Lomi means "rubbing", "kneading", "massaging". The Lomi Lomi Massage (also known as Hawaiian massage) is an intuitive massage with open techniques, which can be either vigorous or gentle, depending on the recipient's needs as well as the therapist.

The main goal of Lomi Lomi massage is deep relaxation. This allows the client to clear their mind, leaving problems behind, while also achieving physical relaxation.

Benefits:

• Promotes a sense of relaxation, relieving anxiety symptoms;
• Alleviates physical pain, oedema, and muscle spasms;
• Improves blood and lymphatic circulation;
• Enhances energy flow;
• Promotes balance between body and mind.

Swedish Massage

Also known as “classic massage”, Swedish massage is based on sliding and pressure movements. All techniques follow a specific direction, towards the heart, to improve blood circulation.

The pressure level can vary from light to moderate, depending on the goal and the recipient's needs.

Benefits:

• Promotes physical and mental relaxation;
• Reduces stress and anxiety;
• Relaxes tense muscles;
• Enhances blood circulation;
• Eliminates toxins.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapeutic massage that helps the natural drainage of the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic drainage massage aids in cellulite treatment and helps reduce body volume by eliminating excess fluids and toxins. It also alleviates symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), among other benefits.

This massage should always be performed towards the lymph nodes, applying hand pressure to strategic points on the body.

Benefits:

• Reduces swelling and cellulite;
• Assists in injury recovery;
• Promotes healing;
• Reduces bruises;
• Improves blood circulation;
• Eliminates toxins.

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Relaxation Massage

The relaxation massage is an ancient technique using gentle, continuous movements with oils or body creams.

The therapist applies pressure on certain parts of the body to relax muscles and joints.

Benefits:

• Reduces muscle tension;
• Relieves daily stress;
• Alleviates pain;
• Calms the mind.

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Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage involves manipulating soft tissues, limbs, and joints. It includes various techniques and procedures, and depending on its goal, it can be performed in different ways.

Unlike relaxation massage, therapeutic massage not only provides a feeling of relaxation but also aims to treat underlying health conditions.

Benefits:

• Reduces muscle tension;
• Improves blood circulation;
• Strengthens the immune system;
• Regulates sleep quality;
• Delays ageing.

Sports Massage

Recommended for anyone who practices sports, whether professionally or recreationally, sports massage prepares the body before training and relaxes it afterwards. This massage type helps blood and oxygen return to the muscles and removes lactic acid, ensuring more effective muscle tissue repair.

This therapy involves manipulating muscles and joints, mobilisations, and stretches. Combining these techniques strengthens muscles and prevents injuries.

Benefits:

• Enhances muscle recovery;
• Prevents injury;
• Increases muscle endurance.
   

Shiatsu Massage

Among Japanese massage techniques, Shiatsu promotes muscle tension relief and relaxation.

The movements are performed with the person lying down, using essential oils. In Shiatsu massage, pressure is applied to specific points on the body, using the fingers, palms, or elbows.

This massage must be performed by specialists. If done incorrectly, the pressure applied can have negative effects.

Benefits:

• Relieves muscle tension;
• Improves posture;
• Increases circulation;
• Rebalances energy flow;
• Promotes relaxation.

Tui Na Massage

Originating from China, Tui Na is a type of massage that uses specific manual techniques. It works on the Chi or Qi flow, which according to Chinese medicine, is essential for each person's vital force and must flow freely through the body's channels (lymphatic system, circulatory system, etc.).

During Tui Na massage, or Chinese massage, pressure is applied to specific points along the meridians connected to certain organs.

By acting on the channels through which energy flows, balance is achieved, aiding in the treatment of certain conditions and overall well-being.

Benefits:

• Promotes relaxation;
• Rebalances the body's energy on a deeper level;
• Prevents pain;
• Improves blood circulation.

Ayurvedic Massage

Deep, vigorous movements using the hands, elbows, and even feet are what you’ll experience in an Ayurvedic massage

Ayurvedic massage provides deep relaxation and can harmonise the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of the body.

In other words, it balances the doshas, the factors that trigger physical and psychological illnesses. When in balance, there's a lower chance of developing diseases.

This massage is suitable for those suffering from muscle pain, migraines, posture issues, and psychological problems (depression, anxiety, and stress).

Benefits:

• Stimulates blood circulation;
• Improves muscle function;
• Releases toxins trapped in the body's tissues;
• Promotes holistic balance in the body.

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Shantala Massage

Shantala massage is intended for babies and has Indian origins. This type of massage is perfect for calming babies, making them more aware of their bodies, and strengthening the emotional bond between them and their parents.

The massage involves a sequence of sliding and light pressure movements all over the body, using essential oils. It is suitable for babies from one month old.

Benefits:

• Promotes relaxation;
• Tones muscles;
• Stimulates the neuromotor system;
• Alleviates colic;
• Promotes restful sleep.

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The Best Types of Massages for Different Health and Wellness Needs

For each health and wellness need, there is a massage and treatment that fits perfectly.

We have selected a range of massages and treatments that address the most common needs of those who visit our spas. See below:

Massage for Pain and Muscle Tension Relief

For pain and muscle tension relief, you should choose massages that target tense muscles or the specific area where you feel pain. The De-Stress Muscle massage by CitySpa Lisboa is an excellent option for saying goodbye to muscle pain.

Relaxation Massage

If you need a moment of relaxation, massages that combine aromas and gentle movements, such as Blu Holistic by BluSpa, available in Albufeira and Lisbon, are perfect. This massage is ideal for achieving total relaxation with effects felt in both body and mind.

Massage for Body Contour and Skin Firming

If you aim to improve body contour definition and firm your skin, the Himalayan Detox Treatment by Mandala Spa is a highly recommended massage. You’ll find this treatment in Lisbon, Porto, or Óbidos.

This massage helps eliminate toxins and excess fluids. The result? Significant improvements in skin appearance and body contour definition.

Anti-Ageing Massage

Delaying signs of ageing is one of the many aesthetic benefits massages can offer. If this is your goal, we recommend trying an anti-ageing massage, like the O2 Hyalu-lift by BSpa in Lisbon.

This treatment combines hyaluronic acid and active oxygen for firmer, more toned skin, delaying the effects of skin ageing.

Massage for Mental and Spiritual Balance

The Shirodhara Ritual is one of the massages recommended for achieving greater mental and spiritual balance.

This massage promotes alignment between the physical state and the mental and emotional state. Inspired by Ayurvedic massage techniques, this treatment is available at Mandalay Spa in Lisbon, Porto, or Óbidos.

Consult with TOPSPA and Discover the Best Massage Types for You!

Selecting the most suitable massage for you is an important part of the decision-making process. Whether your objective is therapeutic or relaxation-focused, there are many treatments to choose from.

If you are still unsure about which treatment or massage to choose, consult with the specialised professionals at TOPSPA. At all our spas, you will find therapists with the knowledge and experience needed to help you select the best massage and treatment tailored to your needs.

Contact us today and discover the most recommended massage types for you. Start taking care of your health and well-being now!